I’m doing this with a men’s choir this Christmas. I’ve sung it many times over the years, and it is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard.
So close your eyes, pour yourself a drink of whatever you like to drink [probably do those in reverse order], and listen.
‘O Magnum Mysterium,’ by Morten Lauridsen, as performed by the King’s College Choir.
Good night, gentle readers.
Such beauty…and performed in one of the most beautiful churhces in all the world. Years ago, my husband and I sat there and listened to such a performance. He grew up in China, and had no experience of such music. I grew up in the south, and heard only nasal twangy crap in church as a child.
I will always remember, when the choir were done, the liturgy completed, and the last light of the candles faded from the lattice stone ceiling, the look of amazement and pleasure on his face.
Thanks for sharing this…today, I needed some beauty, solace, and yes, the touch of majesty and mystery that such music can convey. Mainly though, thanks for bringing up that great memory.
In all the ugliness we see everyday…ugliness and hate perpetrated by those who call themselves Christians, we know we can turn to the music of the heavens and know the true meaning of what it is to truly revel in the splendor which is God. the music is truly fantastic and awe aspiring and uplifting. This is what we need in our nation today.
Evan, that is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for posting it.
It dramatizes my schizophrenic feelings about religion:
I am enthralled by the trappings* of religion, and
I am appalled by the substance of religion.
Over 30 years ago I was walking alone in New York City, and wandered into St. Thomas Church (a few block from St. Patrick’s Cathedral). The church was virtually empty except for the organist practicing. The experience was overwhelming with the combination of magnificent architecture, soaring thundering organ, and all of it illuminated by the rays of sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. Some might have called it a religious experience, but I saw it as the power of architecture, art, and music (although I was merely somewhat agnostic at the time). And if I can be overwhelmed, imagine the impact on medieval peasants when they walked into a cathedral for the first time. The R.C. Church sure did know how to promote its religion in those days.
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*For me to be enthralled, those trappings must include classical architecture, music, and paintings/sculpture.
Yeah, Richard, that about sums it up for me too. Religion has been the muse amazing art, but many other things have too. For me, art is in a completely different category, all to itself.
Thank you Evan very much.